Meet the Lipotriches bee. 

Lipotriches is a genus of native bee in the family Halictidae and is the Pollinator of the Month for March. 

Female Lipotriches bees are solitary ground-nesting bees.

In some species, females guard the entrance in an unusual way, blocking it with their bodies. During the day they face outward, head-first, while at night they reverse position and plug the tunnel abdomen-first.

Several Lipotriches species display striking metallic colours, including shades of green and bronze.

These colours are not pigments, but the result of microscopic structures in the exoskeleton that reflect light.

Lipotriches bees can perform sonication, otherwise known as buzz pollination: a behaviour where the bee vibrates its flight muscles while holding a flower.

This vibration releases pollen from flowers that require mechanical stimulation. Many native plants require sonication and include Dianella, Hibbertia and Solanum species.

Male Lipotriches bees are often seen roosting together on stems and twigs.

These congregations can include hundreds or even thousands of individuals resting side-by-side overnight – a striking sight at dusk or early morning.